Your IP address is the easiest breadcrumb websites can use to track you. It exposes your city, your ISP, and sometimes your identity when combined with other signals. Below you’ll learn eight proven tactics to mask your IP, plus bonus tips to stop DNS, WebRTC and IPv6 leaks.
Why Hiding Your IP Matters
Advertisers build profiles. Streaming services enforce geo‑blocks. Public Wi‑Fi operators can snoop. And threat actors launch DDoS attacks once they know your IP. Hiding or rotating your address breaks that first link in the tracking chain.
1. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Best for: All‑around privacy + location switching.
- Encrypts every packet (UDP or TCP) before it leaves your device.
- Replaces your IP with the VPN server’s IP, often in another country.
- Look for a no‑logs policy and WireGuard for speed.
2. Encrypted Proxy (HTTPS / SOCKS5)
Best for: Browser‑only tasks and web scraping.
Unlike a VPN, a proxy typically handles just your browser traffic, not system‑wide connections. Choose a provider that supports HTTPS or SOCKS5 with authentication.
3. Tor Network
Best for: Maximum anonymity.
Tor routes packets through 3‑4 volunteer relays, encrypting each hop. Downsides: slower and some websites block exit‑nodes. Use Tor Browser or run Onion‑services to keep metadata hidden.
4. Carrier‑Grade NAT (Mobile Data)
Mobile ISPs often place you behind large NAT pools, making inbound attacks harder. Combine with a VPN for stronger privacy.
5. Public Wi‑Fi Hopping (Disposable IP)
Every café or hotel gives you a fresh IP. Never log sensitive accounts without a VPN, though—open Wi‑Fi is still risky.
6. IPv6 Privacy Extensions
Enable temporary IPv6 addresses so your device rotates its interface ID every few hours, thwarting long‑term tracking. Windows, macOS and modern Linux distros support RFC 8981 by default.
7. DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT)
Regular DNS queries expose your browsing history to your ISP. Switch to Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Quad9
with DoH/DoT to encrypt lookups.
8. Firewall Rules & Port Knocking
Shut all unsolicited inbound ports and use port knocking or VPN whitelists for remote access. Even if someone discovers your IP, they can’t reach services behind the firewall.
Bonus: Patch Common IP Leaks
DNS Leak
Even with a VPN, your operating system might use the default resolver. Use dnsleaktest.com to verify.
WebRTC Leak
Browsers expose local IPs to speed up peer‑to‑peer calls. Disable WebRTC in Firefox
(about:config → media.peerconnection.enabled=false) or use a browser extension in Chrome.
IPv6 Leak
If your VPN doesn’t tunnel IPv6, your v6 address may bypass the tunnel. Choose a provider with full dual‑stack support or disable IPv6 at the OS level.
How to Verify Your IP Is Hidden
- Connect to your chosen VPN / proxy / Tor.
- Visit GetMyIP.se in a private window.
- Ensure the displayed IP and country match the tool you selected.
Key Takeaways
- A VPN is the most practical, system‑wide solution for most users.
- Combine multiple tactics (VPN + DoH + firewall) for layered security.
- Regularly test for leaks because browser updates can reset settings.